Marmalade Care Ltd
SUNDOWNING
Sundowning is also known as late-day confusion and is a form of Alzheimer's and other related forms of dementia .
Sundowning is not a disease but a group of symptoms effecting the person living with dementia.
This normally occurs late afternoon and carries on into the night .
the person will become confused and angry and it always seems to be as daylight fades and in the middle stages of dementia .
Some scientists believe that your body clock is affected by dementia and the part of your brain that recognizes when your asleep and when your awake breaks down.
These are a few things that might help
Avoid stimulant's
Alcohol
Coffee
Nicotine
Sweets and chocolate
Try to keep outings and appointments earlier in the day
Close the curtains and turn the lights out in the evening .
Make afternoons quite and calm .
Limit food intake in the evening to a snack rather than a hefty meal .
CHRONIC TRAUMATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY
Dementia pugilistica punch drunk syndrome
This is a neurodegenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries,
such as constant blows to the head and or repeated concussion .
this used to be called punch drunk syndrome or dementia pugilistica it is very common in boxers .
the disease usually begins several years after repeated blow to the head.
Symptoms
Changes in mood
Difficulty thinking (cognitive impairment )
Impulsive behavior
Short term memory loss
as the disease progresses ,slurred speech (dysarthria)
Significant memory loss
Parkinsonism symptoms
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
there is no cure
This diagnosis will be treated with pain management and behavioral therapy to help with mood swings ,difficulty planning and carrying out tasks which will affect daily living as in personal care ,social interaction and general wellbeing.
The seven stages of Dementia
The seven stages of Dementia
1
no impairment
everyone starts at stage 1 there are no symptoms of impairment and functions are normal
2
very mild cognitive decline
this can vary between age related problems that most seniors face such as forgetting things (dates,places ect.)
some of the signs of this stage
forgetting everyday phrases
forgetting things like where you put your keys .
3
mild cognitive decline
this is where symptoms for dementia or Alzheimer's can be come more apparent to family and friends
it will not have a big impact on everyday life
you may notice
problems with complex tasks
memory loss, forgetfulness
diminished work performance
getting lost
difficulty driving
disorganization
4
Moderate cognitive decline
This is sometimes described as early onset Dementia or Alzheimer's
Symptons are more noticeable and the person concerned should be seeing a health professional
Symptoms may include
Social withdrawal
Moodiness
Non responsive
Trouble with tasks
Denial
5
Moderately severe cognitive decline
The person concerned is now likely to need help with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing
you may need a home carer
Symptoms can include
Confusion
Forgetfulness
Memory loss i.e. personal details
Reduced mental ability for problem solving .
6
Severe cognitive decline
Also known as middle stage Dementia or Alzheimer's
The person concerned will now need help with daily activities such as using the bathroom or eating
Symptoms may include
Difficulty sleeping
Increased paranoia
Delusions
Anxiety
Difficulty recognizing loved ones
7
Very severe cognitive decline
Described as late stage Dementia or Alzheimer's
The person concerned is now unable to care for themselves
They may lose the power to walk or speak
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SEMANTIC DEMENTIA
In the past it was believed that all dementia was the same this is not so only recently has it been that distinct disorders such as Semantic Dementia it is related to frontotemporal dementia it is a progressive loss of the ability to remember words ,faces and objects this is from the shrinkage of the temporal lobe in the brain.
the problem usually starts with words people will forget the names of things like calling milk water a dog a cat they may also have problems understanding what is said.
people also have difficulty recognizing faces of the people they see all the time
they will find it hard to recognize objects.
people might become self centered not bothering about other peoples feelings becoming preoccupied with certain activities having a fixed routine daily .
the person cannot change there behavior as it is due to the damage that is effecting there brain cells.
people will normally stay physically well but may become slower as the disease progresses.
this condition normally happens to people between 50 and 65 years of age .there is no cure but certain medication can help with the symptoms.
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WATER INTOXICATION
Also known as water poisoning
This is a disruption to the brain caused by drinking to much water.
This is very rare and whilst it might be very difficult to consume to much water it does happen and death can occur due to excessive intake of fluid .
Drinking to much water can increase the amount of water in the blood this can dilute the electrolytes, and especially sodium in the blood.
WHEN SODIUM FALLS BELOW 135 MILLMOLES PER LITRE DOCTORS REF TO IT AS HYPONATREMIA
This is very common in sports people or endurance training but it does occur in people with mental health issues .
On one occasion because an athlete was not properly rehydrated ,his sodium levels fell below130mm0l/1 he then developed
water on the brain this is known as hydrocephalus .
developed a hernia in his brain stem and this lead to his death .
Overhydration happens when someone drinks more than there kidneys can get rid of via urine .
A build up of fluid in the brain is called cerebral edema which can effect the brain stem leading to central nervous disfunction .
In severe cases this can lead to seizures ,brain damage and comas .
SYMPTOMS
Confusion disorientation
Nausea
Vomiting
double vision
difficulty breathing
muscle cramps
not being able to identify sensory information
in rare circumstances swelling of the brain which can be fatal.